1950-1979

On Monday, February 6th, at their home in Union City township, Mr. and Mrs. Ben Hartley will observe the 50^th anniversary of their wedding by having open house from 2 to 5 p.m. Mr. Hartley, who will be 80 years old in April, is the son of the late John W. and Sarah (Ratcliffe) Hartley, while Mrs. Hartley, who recently passed her 81^st birthday is Carrie, the daughter of the late Thomas and Phoebe (Stocks) Bulman. Their marriage took place near Cresco, Iowa, on February 6^th, 1900. The first three years of their married life were spent on the James Bulman farm on English Bench, after which they purchased what is as known as “Mt. Hope Farm” from the Hon. Benjamin Ratcliffe estate. Here they have since resided at the foot of majestic Mt. Hope which looks down on the home, the church and the school where both have devoted their time and interest in the years past. Their home has been “The House by the Side of the Road” where kinfolk and friends have shared a warm hospitality and a sincere welcome to all. During the years they took time off from their busy farm life to travel extensively, both in this country and abroad, having in 1937 journeyed to Great Britain and the Continent of Europe. Three children were born to this union, their first daughter passing away in infancy; Allen, who with his family reside on the home farm; and Cecil, Mrs. Leo Pottratz, of Eitzen, Minn. There are eight grandchildren.

Excerpts from the Lansing Mirror and Cresco Times of 50 years ago: “Precisely at 8 o'clock on the evening of the 6^th at the home of the bride's father near Cesco, Ia., to the strains of a beautiful evening reverie occurred the marriage of Benjamin Hartley and Miss Carrie Bulman, the ceremony being preformed by a brother-in-law of the bride, the Rev. L. N. Green, a ceremony that has seldom been equalled in beauty and expression. The bride was attired in a gown of silver grey and green silk and carried a bouquet of smilax and bride's roses. The groom wore the conventional black. After the ceremony was conducted congratulations were in order bad were heartily given by the assembled company. A bountiful supper was then indulged in, wit flowed from tongue and all was merry. At 11 a.m. the following day amid a shower of rice and old shoes, the bridal party departed for points in Minnesota and South Dakota.” “These young people are representatives of two of the oldest and most highly esteemed families of the section of the county know as “English Bench.” the brde[sic] has proven a most dutiful and obedient daughter and as such will make a model wife. The groom is equally well known and a favorite with his acquaintances. If there has been a couple in the county who began life with brighter prospects or have a greater number of well wishers, we not know of such. May theirs be a happy wedded life.” ~Allamakee Journal and Lansing Mirror, 1 Feb. 1950, P 1 C5 & 6) - contributed by LA

Mr. and Mrs. Russell Lane, 50th, September 1950

Russell & Barbara (Hahn) Lane, Waukon, observed their golden wedding anniversary on Sunday, Sept. 24, 1950, with a dinner at the home of their daughter, Mrs. John Griffin. Later in the day they held an open house at the home of their son, Russell Jr., where they also live. The Lanes have seven children living and 48 grandchildren. ~clipping from unknown newspaper, Sept. 1950 ~contributed by Errin Wilker

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Mr. and Mrs. Russell Lane of Waukon were priviledged to celebrate their golden wedding anniversary on Sunday. A spread dinner for the children, grandchildren and great grandchildren was held at the John Griffin home on West Main St. with over 50 in attendance. Open house was held at the Lane home in East Waukon from 4 until 8 p.m. Mrs. Lane as Barbara Hahn was married to Russell Lane Sept. 24, 1900 and for some years lived in French Creek township and later at Dorchester. The past 15 years Waukon has been their home. They are the parents of five daughters and four sons, one of whom Claude Lane of Waukon, died several years ago. They are: Mrs. John Griffin, Waukon; Mrs. Gail Gantenbein, Riverton, Wyo.; Mrs. Raphael Teff, Albert Lea, Minn.: Mrs. Ollard Nvberg, Postville; and Mrs. Durwin Bernatz who makes her home with her parents. The sons are Jesse and Russell, Jr., both of Waukon, and Earl of Denver, Colorado. ~Allamakee Journal and Lansing Mirror, Wednesday, September 27, 1950 ~contributed by Joyce Reilly (not related)

Photo caption: Mr. and Mrs. Herman Roth are shown as they observe their photograph taken following their wedding 50 years ago. The couple, who will note their 50th wedding anniversary Feb. 4, will be honored at a family dinner Sunday at the farm home of their daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. William Sherman. ~Waukon newspapers photo, hand-dated 1953 ~contributed by Jim Fowler

Ben Deckers' Note Golden Wedding Date Wednesday; Open House Held March 22
LANSING—Mr. and Mrs. Ben Decker were privileged to celebrate their golden wedding anniversary this week. The date fell on Wednesday, but for convenience, open house was held at their home Sunday, Mrs. Decker's birthday. About 150 relatives and friends called to congratulate them and a great number of congratulatory cards and messages were received, as well as flowers and gifts. During the afternoon their daughters, Mrs. Tade Bechtel, Mrs. Esther Marti and Mrs. Don Steiber, assisted by Mrs. Hugh Andre of Davenport, Mrs. George Aschom and Marie Kerndt of Lansing served refreshments. Annie Englehorn and Ben Decker were married at the bride's home on March 25, 1903, the Rev W. C. Zumsten officiating. There were no attendants at the wedding. A few months later Mr. Decker bought the store at Church from George Coppersmith and operates it at the present time. With the passage of years and the demands of the times, Mr. Decker added new features until today it is a modern general store. He was postmaster for 44 years and retired when that office was discontinued (by the postoffice department, The Lansing office now serves the community. Besides the three daughters, Mr. and Mrs. Decker have nine grandchildren, and four great grandchildren. While Mrs. Decker has no living brothers or sisters, he has two brothers, John and Sam and a sister, Mrs. Charles Hirth, with nieces and nephews of two generations. ~newspaper clipping, March 1953 ~contributed by Jim Fowler

Mr. and Mrs. Otto P. Martin, who were married on Jan. 20, 1904, will celebrate their golden wedding anniversary
with open house from 2 to 5 p. m., and from 7 to 9 p. m. Sunday, Jan. 24. Friends are invited to call at that time.

Mr. and Mrs. Otto Martin well known Waukon residents, were privileged to celebrate their Golden Wedding Anniversary Sunday. A family dinner was enjoyed at noon at the Steiber Cafe in this city followed by open house at their own home from 2 until 5 p. m. and from 7 to 9 p. m. Scores of people called to offer congratulations to this worthy couple. Mr. Martin was born in Waukon on July 21, 1878, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Martin. He was literally born in the furniture business as his parents lived over the old frame furniture store on East Main St.. He worked for his father before and after school until he was about 16 when he went to work full time. He later took a course in embalming and became associated with his father in the furniture and undertaking business. In 1914 Otto's half-brother Williard joined the firm and their father retired. Mr. and Mrs. Martin, nee Mary Helen Hansmeier, were married Jan. 20th, 1904 at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Hansmeier, who resided east of Waukon, by the pastory of the Zion Reformed Church, the Rev. G. D. Elliker. Waukon has since been their home. They are the parents of three sons and one daughter, namely; Howard of this city who is associated with his father in business here; Ralph, of Downey, Calif.; James of Southgate, Calif.; and Mrs. Oliver Kirkeby of Kenosha, Wis.; all all of whom were present to assist their parents celebrate their golden wedding anniversary. They have 8 grandchildren of whom they are proud of. Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Martin of McGregor were also in attendance at the festivities. It is the wish of their many relatives and friends that they live to celebrate their diamond anniversary. ~newspaper clipping, January 1954 ~contributed by Jim Fowler

Mr. and Mrs. C. E. Spencer, 359 W. Mill St., will observe their 55th wedding anniversary at a family dinner at their home Saturday noon. Mr. and Mrs. Spencer were married Oct. 3,1900, at the home of the bride's parents, Mr. and Mrs. G. H. Bryant, Waukon, Iowa. Mrs. Spencer, the former Clara Bryant, was born at Waukon Aug. 11, 1878, and Mr. Spencer, was born at Waukon Aug. 1, 1876. Following their marriage, they resided at Waterville, Iowa and later moved to Tolley, N.D. before moving to Winona. Mr. Spencer ran his own harness shop in Waterville and Tolley, and when he came to Winona was employed at the Winona Harness Factory. They had three children, G Bryant, Montevideo, Minn.; Mrs. Edward Hass (Lucille), Winona, and Mrs. Herman Allen (Mildred) who died in 1943. They have seven grandchildren, Lee Spencer, Los Angeles, Calif.; Sue Ann Spencer, Montevideo; Pvt. Richard Allen, in service in Korea, and David, Marina and Wesley Allen and John Hass, Winona. Among the guests will be their son and his family, their daughter and her family; Mr. and Mrs. George Barthell, Waukon, brother-in-law and sister of Mrs. Spencer; Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Henderson, Waukon, brother-in-law and sister of Mr. Spencer; Mrs. L. A, Probert, niece of Mrs. Spencer and her husband and daughter Jean, Waukon and Earl Forut, nephew of Mr. Spencer, and his wife, Newport, Minn. ~Daily News (Winona, Minnesota), September 27, 1955 ~contributed by Cindy Bray Lovell; Note: There are similar news items for their 50th and 60th anniversary with photos in the Winona paper on the following dates - September 28, 1950 and September 28, 1968.

Mr. and Mrs. Otto Schuttemeier of New Albin, observed their 50th wedding anniversary Sunday with an open house at St. Peter's Evangelical and Reformed Church. Lifelong residents of Allamakee County, the Schuttemeiers were married June 10, 1909, in St. John's Church at Wheatland. Mrs. Schuttemeier is the former Frieda Hinrichs of Union City Township. They farmed in that vicinity until 1944, when they retired and came to New Albin. Their children are Otto Schuttemeier Jr., of Waukon, and Martin Schuttemeier and Mrs. John Breeser of New Albin. There are seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild. ~newspaper clipping, hand-dated 1959 - contributed by Errin Wilker

Mr. and Mrs. Dan Sires will celebrate their golden wedding anniversary Sunday, Oct. 2, 1960, with open house at the Methodist Church hall, the hours 2 to 4 p.m. Their children are Gladys, at home; Calvin, Caledonia; Mrs. Otis (Lorraine) Britain, Spring Grove; Mrs. Bennis (Lois) Rosendahl, Dorchester; Robert, Dowagiac, Mich., and his twin, Mrs. William (Roberta) Kannenberg, Waukon; William, New Albin; and Mrs. Norman (Alpha) Rosendahl, Waukon. They have 18 grandchildren. Anna Hahn and Daneil Sires were married in Waukon Sept. 27, 1910, by the Rev. VanNice. They farmed around Dorchester until four years ago when they retired and moved to New Albin. Mrs. Sires is 66 and Mr. Sires 69. She was born in Aurora, S.D., and he is a native of Allamakee County. ~Newspaper clipping - contributed by Errin Wilker

Mr. and Mrs. Herman Schuldt will observe their 50th Wedding Anniversary with an open house from 2 to 4:30 p.m., Sunday, April 5, at St. Peter's United Church of Christ parlors, New Albin. Herman Schuldt and Emma Meyer were married at St. John's United Church of Christ near New Albin, on March 18, 1914. They were attended by George W. Meyer and Minnie Meyer, now Mrs. Gottfried Loeffler. Mr. and Mrs. Schuldt farmed in Crooked Creek Township, Houston County, Minn., for 44 years. They retired and moved to New Albin on Feb. 27, 1958. They are the parents of seven children: Mrs. Walter (Orinda) Stehr, and Mrs. Elmer (Melinda) Kohlmeier, Caledonia, Minn.; Harold Schuldt, Ferryville, Wis.; Mrs. Edwin (Vernetta) Niedfeldt, Bangor, Wis.; Alton Schuldt and Wilbur Schuldt, New Albin; and Mrs. Harold (Wilma) Wallen, Onalaska, Wis. They have twenty-four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. No invitations will be sent. ~newspaper clipping, hand-dated 1964 - contributed by Errin Wilker

Mr. and Mrs. Roy Sires celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary with a family dinner at their home on Sunday, Oct. 1, 1967.  Lena Hahn and Roy Sires were married Sept. 25, 1907 at Waukon, Iowa, by Pastor VanNice.   They are the parents of nine children, 6 daughters and 3 sons, who were present for the celebration: Mrs. Ronald (Sylvia) May, Mrs. Dervin (Goldie) Rocksvold and Mrs. Clayton (Emerald) Grahlman of Clayton, Iowa; James of Marshalltown, Ia.; Mrs. Lowell (Opal) Britain of Lincoln, Neb.; Mrs. Leo (Pearl) Ehde of Frankville, Ia.; S/Sgt. Sardius Sires of Petersen Field, Colo.; Mrs. Albert (Beryl) Pokorny of Havana, Ill. and Roy Sires, Jr. of Waterloo, Ia. There are 25 grand­children and 14 great-grandchildren.   Those attending the celebration were Dan Sires, Mrs. Joe Crowley and Gladys Sires of New Albin, Ia.; Mrs. Elmer Middendorf of Caledonia, Minn.; Mrs. Claude Grahlman and Susan and Mr. and Mrs. Ervin Gordon of Waukon; Mrs. George Brocius and Scott of Minneapolis, Minn.; Mr. and Mrs. James Grahlman, Mr. and Mrs. William Behrend and family of Cedar Rapids, Ia.; Mr. and Mrs. Junior Kurth of Luana, Ia.; Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Rocksvold and Tiffany, Mrs. Dervin Rocksvold, Zelda Favert, Mr. and Mrs. Clayton Grahlman, and Mrs. Ronald May and John and Jim of Clayton, Ia.; Mr. and Mrs. Albert Pokorny and family of Havana, Ill.; Mr. and Mrs. James Sires and Roy Britain of Marshalltown, Ia.; Mr. and Mrs. Roy Sires, Jr. and family of Waterloo, Ia.; Mr. and Mrs. Leo Ehde and family of Frankville, Ia.; Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Stegen and boys of Hutchinson, Minn. and S/Sgt. and Mrs. Sardius Sires and daughter of Petersen Field, Colo.   Mr. and Mrs. Sires were en­gaged in farming until about 25 years ago when they retired and moved to Hawkeye, Ia.   Mr. Sires tells about his and Mrs. Sires' life. On the morning of Sept. 25, 1907, he and his bride and his mother drove to Waukon with team and buggy where they were married. It was a 14 mile drive from Dorchester and the frost was so thick the bushes were hanging just full and had the look of Christmas.   They began their married life together way back sixty long years ago. They saw hard times back in the World War I when they had to buy $18.00 to $20.00 of such things as rye, barley and rice flour in order to get a fifty pound bag of wheat flour. And they got used to buying three and often times four pairs of shoes but they never complained as they were so much better off than a good many others in the world.   The Lord has been wonderful to them as all nine of their children were all here to help them celebrate this happy occasion. There hasn't been a single death in the whole family, for which they thank The Heavenly Father, and now they number into the sixties. Mr. Sires states he is not boasting, only THANKFUL. ~newspaper clipping from an unknown paper - contributed by Errin Wilker

Mr. and Mrs. Gottfried Loeffler of New Albin, will observe their 50th wedding anniversary Sunday, Sept. 6, 1970, with an open house from 2-5 p.m. in St. Peter's United Church of Christ, New Albin. They are the parents of three children: Mrs. Louie Beneke, Eitzen, MN; Leander, Houston, MN; and Donald, La Crescent, MN. They have ten grandchildren. Gottfried Loeffler and the former Minnie Meyer were married Sept. 15, 1920, by Rev. Storker at St. Peter's United Church of Christ. Friends and relatives are cordially invited to attend with no further invitation. ~newspaper clipping, undated - contributed by Errin Wilker

Mr. & Mrs. Hall L. Swenson

Mr. and Mrs. Hall Swenson of Postville will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary, Sunday, March 12. An open house will be held from 2 to 4:00 p.m. at the Forest Mills United Methodist church parlors. No invitations are being sent. Everyone is cordially invited. ~Postville Herald, Wed. March 8, 1972 - from Reid R. Johnson. Note: Hall Leroy Swenson & Florence A. Lindroth were married 03/08/1922.

Mr. and Mrs. George W.C. Meyer celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary at an open house on Sunday, July 27, at the Town House in New Albin. ~newspaper clipping, hand-dated 1975. Note: George W.C. Meyer and Caroline Catharina Anna Meyer (maiden name also Meyer) were married 22 Jul 1915 - contributed by Errin Wilker

Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Oitzmann, New Albin, would like to invite their relatives and friends to help them celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary on Saturday, Nov. 27. The open house is from 7 to 9 p.m., and dancing from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., at Mal-Cal-Grove Country Club, Caledonia, Minn. It will be hosted by their children and spouses: Mr. and Mrs. LaMoine Middendorf, Mr. and Mrs. Farrell Guillien, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Oitzmann, Mr. and Mrs. Wendell Wild, and Mr. and Mrs. Verne Goetzinger. ~Caledonia Argus, Caledonia, MN, Nov. 25, 1976 - contributed by Errin Wilker - see also their 1986, 50th Anniversary announcement: 1980-present
Alt spelling: Oitzman

Joseph & Hilda (Meyer) Beardmore, New Albin, Iowa, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary Sunday at Starlite Lanes, Caledonia, Minn., with an open house from 2 to 5 p.m. Hosts will be their daughter and son-in-law, Gladys and Dale Denstad of Caledonia and their three children. The couple was married in St. John’s Church, Wheatland, Iowa. The couple has farmed in the New Albin area all of their married life. ~Allamakee Journal, Lansing, IA, hand-dated 1978 ~contributed by Errin Wilker

Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Buege, New Albin, Iowa, will celebrate their Golden Wedding Anniversary Sunday, Sept. 17, with a mass at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, New Albin, at 11:00 a.m. followed by an open house reception in the church basement until 3:30. Everyone is welcome. Stanley Buege and Theresa Dennis were married Sept. 18, 1928 at Caledonia, Minn. The event is being hosted by the couple’s seven children: Mr. Glen Buege, New Albin, Iowa, Mrs. Donald (Marcella) Althof, Stoddard, Wis., Mrs. Robert (Mae) Blair, Wabasha, Minn., Mr. Wayne Buege, Mrs. Gary (Ellie) Meyer, Mr. Robert Buege, and Mrs. Charles (Grace) Meyer, all of Caledonia, Minn. There are 36 grandchildren and three great grandchildren. No further invitations are being sent. ~newspaper clipping, Sept. 1978 ~contributed by Errin Wilker

Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Darling, New Albin, Iowa, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary Sunday; Oct. 22, with a Mass in St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, New Albin, at 11 a.m. An open house will be in the church basement from 2 to 5 p.m. Darling and Gertrude Ghelf, both of New Albin, were married Oct. 22, 1928, in New Albin. Hosts for the open house will be their children and their spouses: Mr. and Mrs. Al Smerud of La Crosse, Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Metzdorff of Mackinaw, Ill., and Mr. and Mrs. Brent Darling of Lansing. The couple has nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Darling worked for the Trane Co. for 20 years, retiring in 1972. ~Allamakee Journal, Oct. 1978- contributed by Errin Wilker

Family members and friends held a potluck dinner for Lyla and Kenneth Smith in honor of their 35th wedding anniversary Sunday, Nov. 19 at the Farm Bureau building in Waukon. It was hosted by their ten children. Peggy Smith and Patty Donahue served punch and Mrs. Ronald Smith poured coffee. The anniversary cake was cut by Mrs. Tom Lydon and Mrs. Rodney Fink. Pamela Freese was at the guest book. Velma Mack, Kenneth’s sister, opened the program by welcoming everyone. Sheila Colsch, Sherry Mellick and Linda Sires sang “You Light Up My Life” and “Wherever You Go.” Paul Solberg, Lyla’s brother, read the life story of Kenneth and Lyla followed by a song from their grandchildren. Special singing guests for the afternoon were Forrest Sires, Mae Crowley, Ruby Middendorf, Raymond Sires, Joel Sires and Craig Lee. Karen Lee accompanied them on the piano. The Smiths received many cards and gifts to remember the occasion. ~clipping from an unknown newspaper, Nov. 1978- contributed by Errin Wilker

Mr. and Mrs. Hubert Hermanson will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary Sunday, Dec. 10 with an open house at St. John’s Lutheran Church from 2 to 4 p.m. The event is hosted by their children: Mr. and Mrs. Truman Wurtzel, Mr. and Mrs. Hubie Hermanson and Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Hermanson. All relatives, friends and neighbors are invited to attend and no further invitations will be sent. Their actual wedding date is Dec. 12. ~Allamakee Journal, Dec. 1978- contributed by Errin Wilker

1929

1979

Mr. and Mrs. Nick Strub of New Albin will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Sunday, January 28, with a 12:30 p.m. Mass at St. Joseph's Church, New Albin, and an open house reception following in the parish hall from 1:30 to 4:00 p.m. They were married on January 29, 1929, and have seven children and twenty-seven grandchildren. No further invitations will be sent. ~newspaper clipping, undated - contributed by Errin Wilker

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50th Wedding Anniversary of Nick and Marcella Strub
Married January 29, 1929; St. Ann's Church, Harpers Ferry, Iowa
Attendants: Mildred (Strub) Bootholder and Peter Conway
Golden Wedding Anniversary Celebrated January 28, 1979, St. Joseph's Church, New Albin, Iowa
Children: Charles, Earl, Daniel, Marcella, Margaret, Ann and Bernice
A sincere thank-you to the priests, altar boys, our children, grandchildren, relatives and friends for their part in making this day such a happy and memorable occasion for us. God bless you all, Nick and Marcella ~Anniversary Celebration Card, 1979 -contributed by Errin Wilker

Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Leppert celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Sunday, July 22, 1979. They were married in her parents’ home on June 12, 1929. Odean Sandry, friend of the groom, was best man and Esther Siekmeier Buntrock, sister of the bride, was maid of honor. Their three children and ten grandchildren were hosts for the event: Howard and Della Leppert, Jeff, Greg and Natalie; Robert and Barbara Leppert, Josey, Lesa, Audrey and Andy, all of Lansing; and Ruth Leppert Beyer, Kevin, Chris and Jason of Houston, Texas. Clara’s sisters were all present. They are Mrs. Mary Shindoll, Mrs. Anna Moline, Mrs. Esther Buntrock, Mrs. Ruth Klocke and Mrs. Dorothy Fiet, all of Waukon; and Mrs. Lydia Miller of Hawkeye. Lesa Leppert drove from Primilay, Ohio to be present for the event. Mrs. Ronald Feuerhelm baked the cake. Josey cut and served it. Della Leppert poured. The granddaughters served punch and the grandsons arranged the seating. Many other friends and relatives enjoyed sharing this joyous occasion. ~Allamakee Journal, July 1979 - contributed by Errin Wilker

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph H. Ferring of Lansing will observe their golden wedding anniversary on Saturday, July 28, 1979 with a 1 p.m. mass at Immaculate Conception Church in Lansing, followed by an open house reception in the church basement from 2 to 5 p.m. hosted by their children. Alma Cole and Joseph Ferring were married on February 11, 1930 in Dubuque. They are the parents of eleven children: Mrs. Giles (Virginia) Ede and Mrs. Gary (Donna) Danzer, Dubuque; Keith Ferring, Tom Ferring and Dwayne Ferring, all of Omaha, Neb.; Jerry Ferring and Mrs. Steve (Rita) Heim of Cedar Rapids; Mrs. Tom (Bernice) Donegan of Denver, Colo.; Ron Ferring of Blair, Neb.; Mrs. Keith (Mary) Garrett of Grinnell; and Bill Ferring of Lansing. ~Allamakee Journal, July 1979 - contributed by Errin Wilker